Write Michigan: What Goes Around…

For Kentwood-based novelist Kristina Riggle, being tasked to write the foreword of the second annual Write Michigan short story contest anthology and deliver the keynote address at the awards gala in March brings back memories of the start of her own writing career.

Kristina started entering the annual Grand Rapids Press and Festival of the Arts short story contest in middle school. As an East Kentwood High School sophomore in 1990, the then-15-year-old won first place in her age group.

“I was blown away” she recalled. “I have loved writing since I can remember. It was probably the first time where I thought ‘Wow, I could seriously do this for a living someday.’ All the positive support from people who didn’t even know me made a huge difference. To get so much attention for something you already love to do, that’s gold.”

For Riggle, whose fifth novel will be published in the fall, it’s all about encouraging new writing talent.

“I was supported so much in my writing,” she said. “I’m so excited to be part of paying that forward.”

Speaking of writing support, there’s still time to register for free writing workshops for teens and adults. Details can be found here.